Currently, one couple out of ten is unable to conceive a child within a year of regular unprotected attempts, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). In 30% of couples, the problem is caused exclusively by a male factor.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility refers to a reduced reproductive capacity in men. In particular, primary infertility is distinguished when a man’s partners have never been pregnant, and secondary infertility when pregnancy has occurred previously. Quite often, doctors are unable to determine the exact cause of infertility in a couple. Nevertheless, male infertility is usually associated with a low concentration of spermatozoa or their reduced motility, as well as with disorders in the passage of semen from the testes to the penis.
The causes of low sperm concentration can vary and include hormonal disorders, excessive heat exposure to the testes, infections (such as mumps, varicose veins of the testes, or undescended testes), medical interventions, and the use of medications.
Impaired passage of semen from the testes to the penis may occur due to blockage or damage to the vas deferens as a result of previous surgical procedures or certain congenital defects. Diabetes mellitus or nerve damage may also contribute to this condition.
What are the risk factors for male infertility?
These include genetic causes; cryptorchidism; inflammatory processes of the reproductive tract; sexually transmitted infections; exposure to radiation and chemotherapeutic agents; injuries and testicular torsion; varicocele; erectile dysfunction.
Significant risk factors that reduce fertility also include an unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use.
What are the symptoms of male infertility?
As a rule, conditions leading to male infertility do not have specific symptoms. An exception is varicocele, which may cause a feeling of heaviness in the scrotal area, as well as inflammatory conditions of the urogenital ducts that can provoke burning sensations during urination or ejaculation.
Among the recommended examinations is semen analysis, which is the main test for assessing sperm quality, as it allows evaluation of sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. It is usually performed after 5 days of abstinence from sexual intercourse. Color Doppler ultrasound, ultrasound examination of the prostate and seminal vesicles, and genetic tests to detect possible chromosomal abnormalities are also used.
What should be done in cases of male infertility?
There are two types of treatment for male infertility: etiological and empirical. Etiological treatment is carried out after identifying the cause of the problem and involves targeted therapy. For example, in obstructive azoospermia, that is, the absence of sperm in the seminal fluid due to blockage, restoration of the patency of the vas deferens is performed.
If it is not possible to determine the exact cause of infertility in a man, empirical treatment is used. It is aimed at improving sperm quantity and quality, increasing the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy. In such cases, antioxidants, vitamins, or certain hormones may be prescribed. In more severe cases, when conception needs to be achieved, assisted reproductive technology procedures are used.
Specialists of the Bogolyuby Medical Center emphasize the importance of starting preventive care in the fields of urology and andrology at a young age. Unfortunately, there is still a kind of cultural taboo that is particularly characteristic of men. Men often consult a urologist or andrologist only when problems can no longer be ignored or after many years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
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